Information on Strangles

Strangles is one of the most important contagious equine diseases
worldwide. Some horses can outwardly show no symptoms yet still carry
the disease and spread it to other horses. Currently these carrier
horses can be very difficult to identify.

Unfortunately amongst some horse owners there is still a stigma
about admitting their horse has strangles, which hinders both quick
diagnosis and effective control of the spread of the disease.

New research is underway with the aim of improving the diagnosis
and treatment of strangles, but in the meantime our best weapon is
isolation and first class hygiene procedures to prevent the spread of
the disease.

The STEPS Code
This voluntary code was launched at the start of Strangles Awareness
week in 2007. It sets out the steps all horse owners should take to
avoid the spread of strangles.